Thalia Merino
CT460 Brand Experience Design Portfolio
Visual and Motion Designer
Hi, I’m Thalia! A designer working across branding, product design, and advertising.
A Philomath Who Builds Systems
Derived from the Greek words “phil” (loving) and “mathēs” (learn or learned), it’s defined as a lover of learning. I’m always picking up a new skill and building something new. What began as a passion for drawing and storytelling developed into visual curiosity and structure.
Currently, I thrive when creating organized and functional work that solves a problem and maintains cohesion. I help brands craft interactive and user-centric experiences by building flexible systems that embody the brand and service through motion. I always look forward to contributing to ambitious and creative teams, where I can make an impact on real people’s lives, and wear multiple hats. If this sounds like you, let’s chat! :)
Current Obsession: Creative Coding (p5js & Processing) with AI Exploration (ChatGPT & Gemini)
Branding Focus: MSG
Recently, I’ve devoted myself to building a new identity system for “Madison Square Garden” including motion templates, dynamic logos and patterns, and a custom display typeface using FontForge. This living identity brings the electric energy of MSG’s events, captures their grand scale, and builds an organized color-symbol category system to maintain this visual cohesive look.
Beyond identity systems, I construct product design system including grids, building components using auto-layout, an organized typescale using variables and text-styles, and an established color palette. Topping all these systems with an interactive and motion element to see it in action.
Experience and Affiliations
Incoming Visual Design Intern @ Dow Jones
Figma Campus Leader @ FIT (Extracurricular), 08/25 - 06/26: Selected from over 1,000 students to represent Figma. With a team, organized and hosted workshops and events that helped peers learn Figma, level up design skills, and collaborate on creative projects.
Editor-in-Chief @ W27 Newspaper (Extracurricular), 08/25 - 06/26: Oversaw full editorial operations, supported creative teams, and organized events, tabling sessions, and issue launches.
Design Intern @ IPG Health (Rise & Run), 06/25 - 08/25: Participated in a client pitch competition with a team where I conducted research and strategic planning, and participated in the development of the campaign. Collaborated with a mentor and cross-functional teams on client projects, participating in ideation, building visual assets and graphics, and proposed social media campaign ideas.
Design Director @ W27 Newspaper (Extracurricular), 08/24 - 06/25: Led a team of designers to produce high-quality print and digital content, launching 3 issues in 15 weeks.
Designer @ FIT DTech Innovation Lab, 02/25 - 03/25: Participated in a, campus-wide, collaboration between FIT X UGG X AMBUSH by developing an integrated campaign in a trio, including video teasers and art direction.
Graphic Designer @ Blush Magazine (Extracurricular), 02/24 - 06/25: Produced high-quality graphics and editorial layouts while managing multiple design projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks to meet publication deadlines.
Recognition
Young Ones, One Show (2025) Merit: Heinz, Integrated Campaign
Young Ones, One Show (2025) Merit: Heinz, Social Media
Young Ones, One Show (2025) Merit: Experiential and Immersive
Young Ones, One Show (2025) Student Client Pitch Finalist: Heinz, We’re Killing It!
CT&D Product Design (2025 Scholarship Competition) Winner: Pawse